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    Home » Hunger

    Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

    By Lauren on December 17, 2020, Updated June 23, 2022 Leave a Comment

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    collage of gingerbread hot chocolate photos
    labeled ingredients for hot chocolate with gingerbread spices
    tray of hot chocolate and cookies by a window
    stacked mugs of hot chocolate on a cookie tray
    pouring hot chocolate into a cup
    gingerbread cookie on a cup of spiced hot chocolate

    Sweet milk chocolate and rich cocoa powder swirled into creamy milk with just a touch of cinnamon and ginger spices. Gingerbread hot chocolate is a festive way to indulge in the classic cold-weather warm-up beverage!

    mug of hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows on a tray

    If Santa had the option of gingerbread hot chocolate over standard hot chocolate, I think he'd switch it up.  Let's be honest, he probably has the most diverse library of hot chocolate recipes than anyone on the planet.

    So anyway, we're going to leave him some milk and gingerbread hot chocolate with our Santa cookies this year.  He could probably use a gingerbread white russian instead, but the kids aren't allowed to make cocktails.

    stacked cups of hot chocolate on a white serving tray

    How to make gingerbread hot chocolate

    Start with simple ingredients, my friends!  Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are the spices.  This time around we're leaving out the clove and allspice because we just want a hint of gingerbread so it's kid friendly too.

    labeled ingredients for hot chocolate with gingerbread spices

    In a medium saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients but the chocolate until it comes together.  Over medium, to medium-low heat, you'll start to heat the milk.

    You can wait until the milk starts to warm before adding the chocolate if you have a few things you're going to try and multitask at the same time.  If you'd rather just toss everything in the pan at the same time, you'll need to whisk it continually so the chocolate doesn't burn on the bottom of the pan.

    Once the chocolate is melted and combined, heat the milk until it's the perfect temperature for you!  Typically that's just before it starts to simmer.  Personally, I like my hot beverages to be about the same temperature as molten lava so I let mine bubble a little.

    Can you make this non-dairy?

    Absolutely!  Oat milk is my current non-dairy go to, but whichever is your preference will work just as great.  And you don't have to worry as much about scortching the milk!

    For the milk chocolate, you can substitute any dairy free chocolate chips available.  They do tend to be more semi-sweet chocolate, like you'd use in a cookie, that's the only difference.

    pouring hot chocolate into a cup

    Once you've got your coziest clothes on and the gingerbread hot chocolate is ready, add some toppings!  Here are a few ideas:

    • marshmallows toasted with a kitchen blow torch
    • marshmallow fluff (a New England classic!)
    • gingerbread cookie rim
    • candy cane crumbles
    • toffee bits
    • sea salt
    • biscotti

    Really, the options are pretty endless.  And while technically not a 'topping' per se, but a little Irish cream or vanilla vodka is a really nice way to add an adult spin.

    gingerbread hot chocolate on a tray

    If you're in the mood for a little snack to munch while you sip, these maple frosted snickerdoodles are super delish.  Pop some gingerbread popcorn for a little salty and sweet crunch or if you have a need for cheese this creamy brie flatbread is the winner!

    If you made this gingerbread hot chocolate, please leave a comment below letting us know!  If you snapped a picture of your cup, you can post the picture with the pin on Pinterest for others to see your delicious handiwork!

    hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows and gingerbread cookie

    Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

    Throw on your coziest, comfiest clothes and settle into a cup of gingerbread hot chocolate!  Creamy, rich milk chocolate infused with just the right amount of spice under a sea of your favorite hot chocolate toppings.
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    Course: Non-alcoholic
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: gingerbread drinks, gingerbread hot chocolate, homemade hot chocolate, spicy hot chocolate
    Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
    Total Time: 10 minutes mins
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 208kcal
    Author: Lauren
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    Ingredients

    • 4 cups milk
    • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
    • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon molasses
    • ½ teaspoon ginger
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1 cup 6 ounces milk chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • Mix. In a medium saucepan, mix together the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, molasses, and spices over medium to medium-low heat.
    • Melt. Add in the chocolate. Whisk until melted and have combined with the chocolate, milk, and spices.
    • Simmer. Bring to just barely a simmer, or whichever temperature you prefer. Garnish with marshmallows, fluff, peppermint, or just your favorite topping!

    Notes

    • Grab the kitchen torch (aff link) and toast those marshmallows for an extra special treat!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 455mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 1mg
    « Gingerbread White Russian
    Gingerbread Monkey Bread »
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    Hi, I'm Lauren! This is my slice of the internet to share seasonally-inspired recipes. I live in the heart of New England with my two kiddos. Life is busy AND delicious!

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